Q+A with Building The Dam
Well, we got OSU coming up. Big game, big game! We decided to do a Q+A with SBN OSU Blog, Building The Dam. They were kind enough to answer some questions for us, which are after the fold.
Look, we are facing off against OSU this weekend up in Corvallis. Not much is known about this Corvallis. So, I thought I'd take a look at what Wikipedia has to say about Corvallis. Here are some key phrases that might give you more information regarding Corvallis:
"geographically and ethnically diverse metropolitan region"
"one of the wealthiest regions in the United States"
"very diverse religious life with thousands of churches, pagodas, mosques, temples, synagogues, gurdwaras, and other religious centers"
"The popularity of the region, owing both to its mild weather and its cultural and economic diversity, combined with strong anti-growth sentiment (both local and statewide), has led to high housing costs, especially for ownership and for commercial property leases. Owing to the relatively lower costs of outlying housing and limited public transportation, long, expensive, and often unpleasant automobile commutes are common in the region, and these costs tend to trickle down throughout various activities, making many other activities such as dining out, theater tickets, etc., more expensive than in other areas of the country. Wages of only a limited portion of the population have kept pace with the increased expenses, and many minimum wage earners, even those holding multiple jobs, (and many families with multiple members employed) are classified as "working poor," while the higher incomes necessary for a satisfactory lifestyle in the region lead to higher taxes, especially at the federal level for persons not qualifying for high mortgage or self-employment related deductions"
Oh wait, no, that's all for the Bay Area. Corvallis is a village of 50,000 people with its Courthouse and the highest peak in ALLLLL of Benton County listed as the major tourist attractions.
That might explain why we got our responses back from Building The Dam in under 15 minutes. And a short note thanking us for giving them something to do on a Monday night. Check it on the flip side.
Also, we've been doing that whole posting thing again. Check it: A look back at USC, Top25, USC Observations. Inside The Numbers for OSU. Fantasy Recap. Roundtable. YTT.
PS What's a guardwara? (Edit: I have just been informed that a guardwara is a Sikh temple. So, I learned something new today!)
What is the #1 player on offense Cal fans should know about?
Uh, the Orange Jesus? Likely Pac 10 Player of the Year, Jacquizz Rodgers?
What is the #1 player on defense Cal fans should know about?
I'amafana Tuimalealiifano --the only known player in Pac-10 history to have all 5 vowels in his last name. Lucky for you he's redshirting, for he is obviously Bak Bak's nemesis.
Which player should start at QB for the Beavs?
Whoever is able to practice this week. We have absolutely NO quarterback controversy. Not even a little bit.
I always wondered why they called them "Golden Showers" now I know it's because they come from Golden Bears.
Uh, we do? There's 3 things. First, I think it's because we play Top 10 teams on the road, usually 2-33 time zones away and often on Thursday nights: LSU, Louisville, Boise State, Penn State, Utah--even Cincinatti won 10 games and finished in the Top 15 from out of nowhere the year we played out there. Those teams are just very hard to beat. It's not like we're playing teams 2 games removed from losing the Emerald Bowl or who lose to UCLA in their next matchup against our conference and then fire their coach.
The second thing is that Mike Riley is very, very, very good with time to prepare and game film. Coach Riley is undefeated after bye weeks and bowl layoffs, and has the best record in the conference over the past 3 years in October, November, and December. He's very good against familiar opponents, as in conference. If you give him 3 game films, you'll have a winning game plan pretty much every time. Maybe it's a crutch? This year, we didn't have that with Stanford completely changing their defense and Penn State completely changing their offense over the summer.
The 3rd thing, and this mostly pertains to this year, is that we only held 3 full contact practices in fall camp and I didn't notice any tackling drills at the few practices I went to. It's my opinion that we tackled so poorly against Stanford and Penn State this year because of this minor detail.
Those guys are good. It was very disappointing to me that we didn't just run it right at them with all of their suspensions on their defensive line and Quizz in our backfield, but that was before the coaches had tested or trusted his ability to carry the team (it was his first start). I hope we get to play them in the Rose Bowl.
Gerhart is having one of the best years in Stanford history, Quizz is having one of the best years in Pac-10 history.
First of all, we get one guaranteed win against an inferior oregon program every year. That helps a lot.
This is what I notice: a lot of coaches can't see past the end of their nose. It's been 5 years since Dennis Erickson was coach here, and he was always about winning right now. Erickson burned Derek Anderson's redshirt year so the Beavs could possibly make a comeback on the road at Washington State in 2001. They didn't win that game, but the gamble DE took that day cost the program one year of a more mature Derek Anderson (2nd leading passer in conference history) and probably a few W's (the team went 5-6 in what would have been Anderson's senior year).
Riley would never do something like that. He gets the most out of what he has by getting the most out of what he has. Everything that Coach Riley does he does it for long term success and program development. We grayshirt undersized players who are fast enough and have the right character to play for us, then we redshirt everyone except for prodigies like the Rodgers Brothers or Sammie Stroughter. We rotate about 10 defensive linemen so that everyone stays healthy and fresh as the season goes on and they're able to stop the run and then apply very heavy pressure on quarterbacks to prevent them from matriculating the ball down the field. We have a great offensive line coach who can juggle the line positions as injuries occur during the season. We have a fairly complex passing offense that takes a while to learn, and is not easy to defend.
Coach Riley is very positive. He doesn't berate his players if they're not doing well, and he (like Pete Carroll) doesn't make excuses following losses. Contrast this style to Mike Stoops (always berating) or Mike Bellotti (every loss is followed by whining and excuses) and you will see why Riley's (and Carroll's) teams play so hard and overcome adversity as the season goes on, while the teams they are facing generally do not.
Having really good players helps, too. The Beavers usually have the most All Conference players except for USC.
Is TwistNHook wrong for trying to rein in some of the NSFW photos on the CGB?
Come on, Twist. Who doesn't like boobies?!?!?!?!
Thanks to Building The Dam. Good luck tomorrow, guys!
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Comments
First, I think it’s because we play Top 10 teams on the road, usually 2-33 time zones away
The only way I can think of being 33 time zones away is if the team plane circles the Earth once and then lands in London. I think this is awesome.
Tedford will still have the team only leave the day before.
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
One day for them. 50 years for us. >.>
I bet that 1959 Rose Bowl team is still in space, waiting to touch down for our Rose Bowl.
by CaliforniaBone on Nov 14, 2008 9:47 AM PST up reply actions
that's a funny interview
sounds a bit homer-ish…but I like it nonetheless.
I think Mike Riley coached JT when JT was a QB for Calgary who won the Grey Cup (CFL) in 1988.
For fun…try and find any photos of JT in his playing days. It’s difficult!
Despite a few indiscretions, I agree with TnH’s TnA Policy.
Will you be posting the BtD’s version of Q&A?
Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay...in his prime...like 3 years ago.
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
Wow
I heard that Mike Riley’s sister, Tammy Riley, gave Tedford a great handy back in ’82.
Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay...in his prime...like 3 years ago.
yeah, I had to trim that part out
Sorry, I just…I don’t even know if Riley has a sister, but I still had to.
Roses are Orange.
1 Billion Chinese and 1 Billion posters of Mao agree with you,
…but that’s not free speech.
Roses are Orange.
I think he was trying to imply we were commies or something…
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
But Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Nov 14, 2008 3:47 PM PST up reply actions
In communist societies all values are equal so there is no need to count!
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
But Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Nov 14, 2008 6:15 PM PST up reply actions
And the Golden Showers thing is OK?
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
Funny, after reading your Q+A, I find that you guys are less like beavers and more like douches.
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
But Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Nov 14, 2008 1:03 PM PST up reply actions 6 recs
As someone who doesn’t just play a lawyer on TV, I’m sure you understand the nuance.
Roses are Orange.
on The Bone
they had a “Real Men of Genius” Bud Light mock commercial
and the theme was:
“Mr. I Voted for the Wrong Candidate”
It wasn’t as funny as say Mr. Chairmen of the Cheap Seats
The Maharg makes me look like an idiot.
I downloaded the mp3’s of every single one of those commercials (there are like 200). My favorites are
Mr. Over Zealous Foul Ball Catcher
Mr. Terrified of the Ocean Guy
Mr. Silent Killer Gas Passer
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
But Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Nov 14, 2008 3:41 PM PST up reply actions
That ball's MINE
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
But Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Nov 14, 2008 3:46 PM PST up reply actions
even better
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0Y7yjxJVlc&feature=related
The Maharg makes me look like an idiot.
by carp on Nov 14, 2008 3:47 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Those guys sound like a bunch of punk bitches
I hope Alualu farts in OSU’s Wheaties during their pre-game meal at the Sleezy 8.
Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay...in his prime...like 3 years ago.
I think they were trying to be funny, a bit tongue n’ cheek, but it did come off more confrontational and condescending than funny. Chalk it up to bloggers who have no where near the talent of our boys.
by SonofCalifornia on Nov 14, 2008 1:37 PM PST up reply actions
Agreed. They just lack the irreverant style of humour that Twist, rags, Hydro, and yalla bring to the table.
ha
repeating hannity’s talking points = awesome.
To get this straight, then: letting the Bush tax cuts expire = socialism, but the Bush administration spending 700 billion to nationalize banks is capitalism?
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
Well, they didn’t really “nationalize” the banks. The original plan (which is being changed right now, btw) was to buy bad mortgage-backed securities from the banks. It’s not like we’ll all be going to the “Bank of USA Bank Formerly Known as Wamu.”
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
But Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Nov 14, 2008 3:54 PM PST up reply actions
right
but isn’t me calling the bailout socialist a little more accurate than calling Obama’s tax policy socialist?
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
Neither are accurate at all…
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
But Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Nov 14, 2008 5:18 PM PST up reply actions
I hope he does more than farting in their Wheaties
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
But Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Nov 14, 2008 1:38 PM PST up reply actions
Maybe slip some of this in their bowl instead?

by SonofCalifornia on Nov 14, 2008 1:54 PM PST up reply actions
you're thinking of Onterrio Smith.
Steven Jackson didn’t smoke (or at least didn’t get caught, which is the important thing)
Interesting question. They got publicity, but it also was a failure…
It's spelled "S-h-u-t-a-b-r-i-c-k".
The Whizzinator company got WAAAAAAY WAAAAAY busted by the feds this year
It was ruled that they were defrauding the Department of Transportation by helping people pass drug tests for trucker licenses and placing the American Public at risk, as I recall.
Roses are Orange.
Nice. Though I bet they had some disclaimer that said that owners should use at own risk and it “does not guarantee you will pass a drug test” blah blah blah lawyer mumbo jumbo.
It's spelled "S-h-u-t-a-b-r-i-c-k".
Props to Twist for answering their questions. If I had to answer those questions, I would print them out, dip it in lighter fluid, and use it for kindling for my grill. Then I’d take the ashes and give it my own version of a ‘golden shower’.
Seriously though, what’s their problem? All those years of being the second-least-memorable school in the Pac-10 (Wazzu really shouldn’t even count anymore) has turned them into the red-headed stepchild who waves flags for attention at the slightest opportunity!
Did anyone else notice that all week? They’ve been trying to connect the entire world into that shithole town of Corvalis. Starting with their “famous” alums, their “beer” (For me, I give more props to the brewer for bringing out the flavor.) and now they’re trying to connect Tedford to their coaching legacy! Pretty soon, they’ll start saying Belotti owes his success to Tedford and so Oregon’s success is OSU’s success too. (And calling Oregon a mediocre team every year? Oregon has much more respect than your shitty little school in piss NOWHERE! >.<)
Look, we get it. You’re a Pac-10 school. You have ‘accomplishments’. Good for you. Here’s a GOLD star. Now quit jacking off to yourself and contain that ego till you actually win a championship or something.
I’d post something similar to this on their blog, but from the looks of things, their only readers are Cal fans and JShu****.
by CaliforniaBone on Nov 14, 2008 10:07 AM PST up reply actions
I wish you could learn how to express an opinion.
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
PS We all worked together to answer the questions. I did some, but we all pitched in.
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
Well, then dont change your sig to it!
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
Icommand you to NOT change your sig to it.
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
I’ve never been so stressed out over not changing my sig – ever.
It's spelled "S-h-u-t-a-b-r-i-c-k".
I’ve never seen so many dead hookers in my life!
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
Never seen the modern American comedy classic Dirty Work?
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
This post is going to look bad if we lose.
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
Whereas the entire BtD blog will look bad if they lose.
I’ll take my chances with one minor comment/rant.
by CaliforniaBone on Nov 14, 2008 10:19 AM PST up reply actions
Perhaps I am too beholden to the fear of karma.
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
I didn’t wear my OSU Cow Tipping Team shirt all week.
We’re clear on the karma Twist. Trust me.
by CaliforniaBone on Nov 14, 2008 10:25 AM PST up reply actions
Who knew beating the 4 shittiest Pac-10 teams could give you so much confidence
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on Nov 14, 2008 1:19 PM PST up reply actions 7 recs
hey, I'm sorry that you guys can't handle a little obvious, not-veiled, good-natured condescension
Don’t take it too personally.
(However, I did find it to be kind of funny when you said that Oregon is not mediocre—their usual conference finish is 5th.)
Relax, Bears!
Roses are Orange.
So that note about Oregon’s “usual” finish of 5th didn’t pass my sniff test so I went to figure it out. I have to presume you’re cherry picking the last two years, when they finished 4th and 5th (as opposed to OSU’s 3rd each year). However, digging a little further:
Source: Wikipedia
Average Conference Finish
Oregon
5 years: 3.8
10 years: 3.4
15 years: 3.8
And for kicks and giggles:
OSU
5 years: 4.2
10 years: 4.6
15 years: 6.7
Cal
5 years: 3.4
10 years: 5.2
15 years: 5.5
This is very interesting to me. Oregon is consistently good. Cal and OSU were pretty bad, but are strengthening, which seems pretty consistent with my general concept. OSU’s has been more consistent and gradual, whereas Cal turned a corner more abruptly.
And just for yet more kicks and giggles, the LA schools:
USC:
5 years: 1.0 (duh)
10 years: 2.8
15 years: 2.8
UCLA:
5 years: 4.2
10 years: 4.6
15 years: 4.1
by tmoran3020 on Nov 14, 2008 4:30 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
this explains a lot, good stats. Especially why I hate LA Schools.
Hope is dangerous, but Glory is addictive.
Hmmm… should have explained better what the numbers mean. That is the average conference finish over the past X years. So for example:
Cal
5 years: 3.4
10 years: 5.2
15 years: 5.5
Cal averaged 3.4th place for the years 2003-2007, 5.2th place for the years 1998-2007, 5.5th place for the years 1993-2007.
Thanks for making me feel old
This is great. At least I thought it was great until the part where you explain that the 15-years category begins in 1993, a full four years after I graduated.
Inspired by your calculations, here is how the Cal coaches of the past three decades (beginning with Joe Kapp) stack up:
Kapp (1982-86): conference record of 12-30-1, average finish = 8.6 (ouch!)
Snyder (1987-91): 15-19-4, average= 6.9
Gilbertson (1992-95): 11-21, average=6.75 (better than Snyder?!)
Mariucci (1996): 3-5, average=5.5 (tied for fifth)
Holmoe (1997-2001): 10-29, average=8.2
Tedford (2002-present): 30-20, average=3.9
Overall Pac-10 record for the quarter-century from 1982 to 2007: 81-124-5, average=6.7
Note that the above numbers credit Holmoe’s 1999 teams for 3 conference victories they subsequently forfeited, and that I factored ties into my calculations. In other words, a tie for seconds counts as 2.5, rather than simply 2. And I also used the Wikipedia numbers, so the usual qualifications about potential inaccuracy apply.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Nov 14, 2008 5:11 PM PST up reply actions
OSU’s has been more consistent and gradual, whereas Cal turned a corner more abruptly.
So I think I have to take that back. OSU’s difference between the 15 year and 10 year is huge. They turned a big time corner in 1999, when Erickson came in, and have been able to sustain that since Erickson left after the 2002 season (actually, the average standing post Erickson is 4.2, Erickson’s average is 4.25 – so a slight improvement although without the conference championship it probably doesn’t feel like it).
As a Beavers fan, there is a big difference between Riley and Erickson.
Erickson peaked in year 2 with a lot of Riley’s recruits. He was also able to recruit some amazing skill players like Steven Jackson, Chad Johnson, Derek Anderson, etc. though he wasn’t as good at getting and developing good linemen and defensive backs and he didn’t improve the depth of the team as time went on.
Riley is still building his program and finally has a team with all of his own recruits. The depth of his teams are very good and continue to improve every year. Even last year, which was definitely a rebuilding year for the program, and with the worst quarterback play we’ve seen in Corvallis since we ran the option, he still managed a 3rd place finish.
Roses are Orange.
All the historical talk is relatively meaningless, since none of those players or coaches are still around...
…Oregon’s CURRENT players usually finish in 5th place.
They like to talk about having “tons of talent” or “the best secondary in the nation” or blah, blah, blah….but they’re basically a mediocre program that doesn’t represent the conference very well in bowl games.
Roses are Orange.
You did say
I did find it to be kind of funny when you said that Oregon is not mediocre—their usual conference finish is 5th
To me ‘usual’ implies a lot more time than just the last few seasons. And tmoran did specify that your statement was a cherry picking of the last few seasons. I think at least a 5 year trending is telling, not meaningless at all.
by SonofCalifornia on Nov 14, 2008 6:38 PM PST up reply actions
Isn’t Corvallis called the Wasilla of Oregon?
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
I heard Alaska was the Corvallis of Wasilla…
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
But Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Nov 14, 2008 10:04 AM PST up reply actions
I heard Corvallis was the Corvallis of Alaska.
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
what's up with the penguin...is that a penguin?
Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay...in his prime...like 3 years ago.
you gotta be kidding me
Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay...in his prime...like 3 years ago.
This is the California Golden Blogs. We don’t kid.
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
THE INTERNET IS SERIOUS BUSINESS
Still happy over the fact that the Nets signed Ryan Anderson. Now if only they can sign Leon Powe after this year...
by yellow fever on Nov 14, 2008 8:50 AM PST up reply actions
The Blue-Footed Boobie satisfies both of my fetishes. Thanks!
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Nov 14, 2008 8:58 AM PST up reply actions
What’s it like to have a mascot that is a slang term for Vagina?
I always wondered why they called them “Golden Showers” now I know it’s because they come from Golden Bears.
Worst insult ever.
Hey, supply side economics. Your mom called. She said you suck!
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
They went for “disturbingly funny” and only hit “disturbing”.
So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!
by ragnarok on Nov 14, 2008 9:12 AM PST up reply actions 6 recs
It wasn’t an insult. It as a compliment.
Being the Golden Bear to deliver the golden shower is better than being the beaver that receives it.
by CaliforniaBone on Nov 14, 2008 9:50 AM PST up reply actions 4 recs
I’m becoming more and more ashamed by the second that I actually contributed to this thread. Beavers. Boobies. Golden Showers. Cow Tipping. Wasilla. Supply side economics. The CFL!
This is sounding more and more like a weekend hunting trip with the Palin family. Who brought the Moose burgers? Or was that Caribou? I can never tell the difference.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Nov 14, 2008 11:21 AM PST reply actions
at least you didn't try to convince us of what is referred to as "the excitement" of cricket
Roses are Orange.
C’mon now. Is there really anything in sport that can match the thrill of a batsman hitting a boundary to claim a century in a major test match? Be honest: Beaver Nation would trade their CWS championship in a heartbeat for a chance to take on the Kolkata Knight Riders.
And now that the topic of cricket has been broached, I guess we can go ahead and add “sticky wicket” to the list.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Nov 14, 2008 11:35 AM PST up reply actions
To be honest, being Scottish, I just assumed that English cricket fans spent the day eating cucumber sandwiches / drinking pints of mild / snoozing. At least, that’s what my grandfather did after moving to England so he could watch cricket without coming under public condemnation.
And crowds in India and Pakistan seem to be rather too engaged in the “action” to attempt to write anything down.
I’amafana Tuimalealiifano —the only known player in Pac-10 history to have all 5 vowels in his last name. Lucky for you he’s redshirting, for he is obviously Bak Bak’s nemesis.
(TwistNHook Note: Doesn’t Y sort of count as a vowel? OSU education strikes again!)
Actually, vowels aren’t really “letters”, but are noises. Like the word “Straight” doesn’t have two vowels, but one vowel made with the four letters “aigh”. You can have single letters be vowels, but a letter isn’t always a vowel, per se, nor is it always a consonant. However, English does happen to use many single letter vowels, which are often a, e, i, o, u, w, or y.
This is where School House Rock and alphabet soup, unfortunately, dropped the ball.
If he were to have a name that had all the vowels… it would be quite extensive.
If these were the only letters that were allowed to be ’vowels" pronouncing mutters like, “Psh, pft, and hmm” would be impossible.
It's spelled "S-h-u-t-a-b-r-i-c-k".
Despite how intimidating it looks to be, spelling with the IPA would be soooo much better. Though, it would be one more step towards a one world government… That’s cool if you’re into that.
It's spelled "S-h-u-t-a-b-r-i-c-k".
I hope so. Though I’m afraid that makes me a communist – which totally blows.
It's spelled "S-h-u-t-a-b-r-i-c-k".
The IPA will never fly in Oregon
At least not in Eugene, as long as the “swoosh” remains unrecognized as a letter in the alphabet
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Nov 14, 2008 3:50 PM PST up reply actions
I keep jostling back and forth
whether this is more dorky than the field I study (chemistry)…I can’t find an answer!
The Maharg makes me look like an idiot.
sweet merciful....
I had an argument along similar lines with the missus, whose background is in cognitive science and linguistics, over her insane insistence that “y” is a vowel. (How is our six year old supposed to learn anything if it’s different from what I was taught?) While it’s perfectly possible that one could take the view of a linguist, I’d be willing to bet at least a nickel that most people think of “vowel” as referring to five letters as a naming convention for written English, as opposed to a sound made during speech.
So even though I’m sure you’re perfectly correct from the (over-educated Eugene drum circle fake American) trained linguist’s standpoint, a pox on your deviation from the traditional simplicity of a, e, i, o, and u.
eye thinck ewe mien wigh naught?
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
But Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Nov 14, 2008 3:56 PM PST up reply actions
I studied the same as your ‘missus’. I would be inclined to agree with her, but the joy of language is in communication and teaching your son a term that is most likely going to be misunderstood by his teachers (until he goes to college) is probably not a good idea.
Also, Pluto is not a planet any more. BAM, rocked your world.
Hope is dangerous, but Glory is addictive.
The day they demoted Pluto, I lost all interest in science.
How much sense does this make?:
My Very Excellent Mother Just Sent us Nine…
I need my “Pizzas”. How can I remember the order of the planets without my pizza?!?!
So what if Pluto decided to encroach inside Neptune’s area?
It's spelled "S-h-u-t-a-b-r-i-c-k".
MAKE VERY ELABORATE MEMOS JSHUFELT, SAID URANUS NYMPH!
by CaliforniaBone on Nov 15, 2008 2:14 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Daughter, actually, one of two. And she’s still really pissed about Pluto being demoted – 6 year olds are sensitive to size-based slights, it turns out.
I guess she’s still a little too young for the whole “Size doesn’t matter” discussion.
(I hope that’s not inappropriate. I’m the father of two sons myself, which makes me incredibly insensitive to the joys and challenges of having daughters.)
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Nov 14, 2008 4:00 PM PST up reply actions
Pluto, shmuto. Planet, shmanet. Let me geogra-fy you all
Europe is not a continent. Rocked your world. Indeed, there are no such things as “continents”, just tectonic plates, land masses, and world regions. Take it from this professional geographer, one of the finest academic books of the last dozen years was Lewis and Wigen’s, The Myth of Continents (UC Press, 1997).
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Nov 14, 2008 3:57 PM PST up reply actions
What next?
Are you going to tell us the world isn’t flat? That the sun doesn’t revolve around the earth? That stegosaurus is still alive and well?!
(☞゚∀゚)☞
I do agree with you, and I think it’s alright that people think that, but I also think that it is a simple over simplification that could be taught in early education. Most world languages don’t teach letters are vowels. I had a teacher that actually said that he thinks teaching kids in early development that the vowels are the letters A, E, I, O, U, and sometimes Y actually contributes to a lot of spelling errors, and that teaching how sounds are vowels, and a consonants.
If you can’t standardize this in education though, it would be a lot of misunderstanding (As AndBears mentioned)
It's spelled "S-h-u-t-a-b-r-i-c-k".
Imagine trying to teach foreign students English.
85% of them know how to “read” English, but have barely ever spoken it with a native English speaker. They often learn from each other or a “teacher” with a horrendous accent and probably even more horrendous understanding of the language. Either that or a tape player.
Now tell them that y is a vowel but only sometimes. They shut down and refuse to speak English.
Then tell them that English has tone like Chinese, only used differently. Watch their head explode.
It's seriously too bad that there's no building or complex around that might have a large supply of sports drinks.
I still like the original “Bety la fea” better:

by SonofCalifornia on Nov 14, 2008 4:03 PM PST up reply actions
Take that cougar back to the zoo!
(☞゚∀゚)☞
by Berkelium97 on Nov 14, 2008 4:14 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Why are people posting pictures of my GF up!?
:(
by CaliforniaCMB on Nov 14, 2008 5:39 PM PST up reply actions

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